Branstad defends mental health institute plan

Jan. 27--DES MOINES -- Gov. Terry Branstad defended his plan to cease treating mental health patients at state-run facilities in Clarinda and Mount Pleasant.

Branstad said the mental health patients would be better served at the state's other mental health facilities, in Cherokee and Independence, and through community treatment programs. He said the facilities in Clarinda and Mount Pleasant are not accredited, and Mount Pleasant has been unable to hire a psychiatrist.

"So to be able to provide quality mental health services to people, we think they could better be served (at) the other two institutes and community mental health (programs) and with the help of University of Iowa Hospitals," Branstad said.

Branstad said he would be willing to work with state lawmakers on other solutions.

Maijuana cards

The Department of Public Health announced residents now may apply for a registration card for the possession of a medicinal oil found in the marijuana plant. The department unveiled the application on its website.

A new state laws allow parents of children with epileptic seizures to possess doctor-prescribed medical cannabidiol.

Critics of the new law say it is ineffective because it does not help Iowa residents obtain cannabidiol, which remains illegal to sell or produce in Iowa.

Vets' homes

Branstad touted a program that helps veterans purchase a home in Iowa, a program for which Branstad said he has budgeted $2.5 million for each of the next two fiscal years.

The Iowa Finance Authority said the Military Homeowner Assistance program has assisted nearly 3,400 veterans by providing a $5,000 grant that may be used toward purchasing a house in Iowa.

Byron Jimmerson, a veteran who recently used the program to purchase a home on Osceola, said the program helped him and his wife purchase their first home just in time for the arrival of their first child.

Conservation funding

Activists visited the Capitol to encourage lawmakers to fund a state conservation program.

The Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund was created in 2010 by a statewide ballot vote, but has not been funded by the Legislature.

The Iowa Natural Resources Commission recently recommended implementing a new 1-cent sales tax, which would trigger automatic funding of the conservation fund.

Iowa's Water and Land Legacy, a coalition of conservation groups, said in a statement the fund is needed for "soil and water quality improvement, wildlife habitat restoration, and expanding access to outdoor recreation opportunities."

Summitt address

Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds will speak at the American Legion's National Credentialing Summit on Feb. 17 and Feb. 18 in Washington, D.C. Event organizers say more than 200 business and government leaders from across the country will gather to discuss ways to help veterans transition out of service and get credentials for jobs.

Reynolds is listed as one of four guest speakers along with U.S. Labor Secretary Tom Perez, union leader James Hoffa, Jr., and Gen. David Perkins, head of the U.S. Army's training and doctrine command.

Reynolds will talk about "Home Base Iowa," a wide-ranging program that offers various programs to veterans seeking to find employment and housing in Iowa.

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